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Uses of Aspirin to Prevent a Heart Attack - A Discussion

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The use of Aspirin can help prevent severe medical conditions like heart attacks and strokes in most individuals. Read the article to know more.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Yash Kathuria

Published At March 24, 2023
Reviewed AtMarch 24, 2023

What is Aspirin?

Aspirin is also known as acetylsalicylic acid (ASA); it belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are a group of medications used for various conditions ranging from mild diseases such as flu to severe conditions such as preventing cardiovascular diseases. This group of drugs has the following effects:

  • Analgesic Effects- Helps to alleviate pain.

  • Antipyretic Effects- Helps to reduce high temperature and fever.

  • Anti-inflammatory Effects- Helps to fight inflammation.

How Does Aspirin Work?

It works by slowing the formation of prostaglandins which play a crucial role in the body’s inflammatory response. When the prostaglandins produced decrease at the site of cell or tissue injury, the inflammation also reduces. It also helps block an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX), which further helps in the formation of prostaglandins. When Aspirin inhibits the enzyme cyclooxygenase, it also interferes with the formation and function of platelets. This interference with the functioning of platelets gives rise to the anti-clotting properties of Aspirin which has been used extensively to prevent heart disease, especially heart attack.

What Is a Heart Attack?

Heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction (MI), is a severe medical condition that usually occurs when an artery or blood vessel supplying the heart has plaque (fatty and waxy substance) built up within its walls and that plaque suddenly breaks. When the plaque suddenly breaks or dislodges from the blood vessel wall, it causes injury to the walls of the blood vessels and leads to bleeding within the blood vessels. In order to stop this bleeding, platelets act together and form a blood clot. It is this blood clot that prevents the blood from flowing through and reaching the heart muscles. This reduced or diminished blood flow further starves the heart tissue of nutrients and oxygen, causing cardiac ischemia. Eventually, the heart tissue dies, leading to a heart attack.

What Factors Can Make an Individual Susceptible to Heart Attack?

Several risk factors make an individual susceptible to heart attack or myocardial infarctions (MI), such as:

  • Age: Our blood vessels harden as we age, making them less flexible. When blood vessels are less flexible, it becomes difficult for the blood to travel through them.

  • Smoking: Smoking tobacco produces numerous toxic chemicals and carcinogens. When inhaled into the lung, it can cause inflammation and damage the inner lining of arteries (blood vessels), making it difficult for the blood to pass through.

  • Obesity: A high-calorie, high-sugar, and low-fiber diet can lead to obesity. Obesity increases the risk of hypertension (high blood pressure), type 2 diabetes (high blood sugar), and hyperlipidemia (increased levels of lipids or fats in the blood), which in turn increase the risk of having a heart attack.

How Does Aspirin Help Prevent Heart Attack?

In addition to the analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects, Aspirin also has anti-platelet effects. This allows it to interfere with the clotting action of platelets and prevents the formation of a blood clot within the blood vessels when the plaque breaks and dislodges into the bloodstream. Blood clots are the primary cause of strokes and heart attacks. It is much more efficient in preventing heart attacks in individuals diagnosed with the following:

  • Hypertension (increased blood pressure).

  • Hyperlipidemia (increased levels of fat or lipids in the blood).

  • Hypercholesterolemia (increased levels of cholesterol in the blood).

  • Diabetes (increased blood sugar).

What Are the Uses of Aspirin?

The use of Aspirin varies with its dosage. Low doses of Aspirin can be used for its antithrombotic effects, whereas higher doses of Aspirin can be used for its antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Can an Individual Take Aspirin Every Day to Prevent Heart Attack?

Aspirin should not be consumed daily by everyone to prevent heart attacks. A physician may advise the use of Aspirin on a daily basis for secondary prevention in individuals. This means that if an individual has a history of a heart or vascular disease or has any risk factors that make them susceptible to heart attacks, the physician will prescribe low doses of Aspirin for daily use.

Who Should Avoid Using Aspirin?

One should avoid using Aspirin if any of the following conditions are applicable:

  • Have a history of allergic reactions to Aspirin.

  • Have a history of stomach ulcers.

  • Have bleeding disorders like hemophilia, thrombocytopenic purpura, and Von Willebrand’s disease.

  • Have liver and kidney disorders.

  • Pregnant and nursing women.

  • Have uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure).

  • Children.

  • Individuals on anticoagulants (for example, Warfarin).

How Is the Dosage of Aspirin Calculated?

One should never take Aspirin without consulting a physician. The physician decides the dosage, and it varies depending on the risk factors and underlying conditions.

What Are the Side Effects Associated With Aspirin?

As with all medications, Aspirin may cause side effects. However, not everyone experiences them. Some common side effects include:

  • Dyspepsia (difficulty in digestion or digesting).

  • Upper abdominal pain.

  • Heartburn.

  • Mild headache.

  • Drowsiness.

Aspirin is also known to cause some serious side effects. They include the following:

  • Peptic ulcers.

  • Gastrointestinal ulceration.

  • Gastrointestinal bleeding.

  • Hemoptysis (blood in cough).

  • Severe nausea and vomiting.

  • Hallucinations.

  • Confusion.

  • Seizures (convulsions).

  • Tinnitus (ringing of the ear).

  • Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat).

  • Melena (black or tarry stools).

  • Hives.

  • Severe allergic reaction (seen as swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, and throat).

  • Wheezing.

  • Dyspnea (difficulty in breathing).

What Are the Risk Factors Associated With the Use of Aspirin?

Aspirin has been associated with Reye's syndrome. It is a rare medical condition that causes severe damage to the liver and kidneys of children.

Conclusion

Aspirin, for years, has been used for various medical conditions. Its antiplatelet and antithrombotic properties make it ideal for preventing heart attacks, transient ischemic attacks (TIA), and stroke. It makes the blood thinner, which helps the blood have a smooth passage within the thickened blood vessels. Although it has numerous benefits, it also has many side effects, some of which should be dealt with immediately. Individuals should not use Aspirin daily for primary prevention as its risks outweigh the benefits. Instead, having a healthy lifestyle incorporating physical activity with routine body-check ups is more beneficial for primary prevention. On the contrary, Aspirin therapy has remarkably helped individuals with secondary prevention of heart attacks.

Dr. Yash Kathuria
Dr. Yash Kathuria

Family Physician

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